Joan Lunden Biography and Wikipedia
Joan Lunden has built a remarkable career as an American journalist, author, and television host, gaining widespread recognition during her time as co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America from 1980 to 1997. Born Joan Elise Blunden on September 19, 1950, in Fair Oaks, California, she grew up in a family with a strong medical background, as her father, Dr. Erle Murray Blunden, was a physician. She earned a degree in Liberal Arts from California State University, Sacramento, and furthered her studies in Spanish and anthropology at Universidad de Las Americas in Mexico City.
Age and Birthday
Joan Lunden was born on September 19, 1950, so she will be 74 years old in 2025.
Height and Weight
Joan Lunden measures 5 feet 6 inches (169 cm) in height and weighs around 57 kg (131 lbs).
Education Background
Joan Lunden obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from California State University, Sacramento. She furthered her education by studying Spanish and anthropology at the Universidad de Las Americas in Mexico City. Additionally, she worked as a visiting instructor at Montclair State College in New Jersey, teaching a broadcast journalism course.
Nationality
Joan Lunden is an American and was born in Fair Oaks, California, USA.
Signiicant Contributions and Recognition
Joan Lunden has significantly shaped journalism, television, and health advocacy through her work. She co-hosted ABC’s Good Morning America for 17 years (1980–1997), covering major global events like five Olympic Games, four U.S. presidents, and two royal weddings. Her relatable and engaging style earned her a reputation as one of America’s most trusted media figures.
Lunden actively champions health and wellness, especially focusing on women’s health and aging. She has written over ten books, including Had I Known, which shares her fight with triple-negative breast cancer, and Why Did I Come into This Room?, addressing the challenges of aging. She has also testified before Congress on healthcare issues and hosted the PBS series Second Opinion with Joan Lunden.
Beyond journalism and advocacy, Lunden motivates audiences as a speaker, sharing valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Her commitment to breast cancer awareness has earned her numerous awards and recognition within the medical community, highlighting the impact of her advocacy work.
Career
Joan Lunden has built an impressive career over more than four decades, excelling in journalism, television, and health advocacy. She gained widespread recognition during her 17-year run as co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America from 1980 to 1997. During this time, she reported on major global events such as five Olympic Games, four U.S. presidents, and two royal weddings, establishing herself as a trusted media personality.
Lunden launched her broadcasting career in 1973 as a trainee at KCRA-TV in Sacramento, California. She quickly advanced, becoming a co-anchor for the noon news before moving to New York to join WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News in 1975. This early experience set the stage for her national breakthrough.
In 1980, Lunden took on the role of co-host for Good Morning America, where her engaging and relatable style won her national acclaim. Beyond television, she authored more than ten books, including Had I Known, which chronicles her battle with triple-negative breast cancer, and Why Did I Come into This Room?, a book addressing the challenges of aging.
Lunden has also been a passionate advocate for women’s health and aging. She testified before Congress on healthcare issues and hosted the PBS series Second Opinion with Joan Lunden. Today, she continues to inspire others as a motivational speaker, sharing her insights on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Husband and Kids
Joan Lunden has entered into marriage twice. Her first marriage was to Michael A. Krauss, lasting from 1978 until 1992, during which they had three daughters: Jamie, Lindsay, and Sarah.
In 2000, she married Jeff Konigsberg, and the couple has four children—two sets of twins—named Max, Kate, Kimberly, and Jack, all born via surrogacy.
Net worth
As of 2025, Joan Lunden’s net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million. She has accumulated her wealth through a lengthy career in journalism and television, notably her 17 years as co-host of Good Morning America, along with earnings from book sales, brand endorsements, and her work in health advocacy.
Follow Joan Lunden on Instagram/ X(Twitter)/ Facebook
Leave a Reply